Dec. 13 is the National Day of the Horse

The resolution was designed to encourage Americans to "be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States."

Photo: iStock

Today (Dec. 13), Americans are celebrating the 10th annual National Day of the Horse.

Sen. Bill Campbell (R-Colorado) submitted a resolution to institute National Day of the Horse on behalf of himself, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana) on Oct. 7, 2004, and passed on Nov. 18, 2004. The resolution was designed to encourage Americans "to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States."

The full text of the resolution reads as follows:

Designating December 13, 2004, as National Day of the Horse and encouraging the people of the United States to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States.

Whereas the horse is a living link to the history of the United States;

Whereas without horses, the economy, history, and character of the United States would be profoundly different;

Whereas horses continue to permeate the society of the United States, as witnessed on movie screens, on open land, and in our own backyards;

Whereas horses are a vital part of the collective experience of the United States and deserve protection and compassion;

Whereas because of increasing pressure from modern society, wild and domestic horses rely on humans for adequate food, water, and shelter; and

Whereas the Congressional Horse Caucus estimates that the horse industry contributes much more than $100,000,000,000 each year to the economy of the United States: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates December 13, 2004, as ‘National Day of the Horse’, in recognition of the importance of horses to the security, economy, recreation, and heritage of the United States;

(2) encourages all people of the United States to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States; and

(3) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States and interested organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities.

About the Author

Erica Larson, news editor, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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